Take a pass on the “crash and burn” high from caffeine and sugar – and taurine. The ingredients of these drinks, both mysterious and some not too mysterious, are a recipe for disaster. They may “give you wings,” but you’ll soon come tumbling down – and in the long run, crash really hard.

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FICCI Research and Analysis Centre (FRAC), food, beverage and environment testing laboratory has constantly been working on developing test methods of various new and complex parameters that are present in food we eat and drinks we consume. In a recent development, FRAC’s technical team has developed testing facility for analysis of Taurine, am amino compound found in every energy drink that is out there in the market.

Here is everything you need to know about Taurine

Taurine is an amino sulfonic acid, but it is often referred to as an amino acid, a chemical that is a required building block of protein. Taurine is found in large amounts in the brain, retina, heart, and blood cells called platelets. The best food sources are meat and fish.

Some people take taurine supplements as medicine to treat congestive heart failure (CHF), high blood pressure, liver disease (hepatitis), high cholesterol (hypercholesterolemia), and cystic fibrosis. Other uses include seizure disorders (epilepsy), autism, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), eye problems (disorders of the retina), diabetes, and alcoholism. It is also used to improve mental performance and as an antioxidant. Antioxidants protect cells of the body from damage that results from certain chemical reactions involving oxygen (oxidation). (Source: WebMD)

Because taurine is utilized by the body during exercise and in times of stress, it’s become a popular ingredient in energy drinks. Taurine shows an anxiolytic effect on the central nervous system, causing a possible reduction of anxiety symptoms associated with caffeine intake. While this may sound beneficial, perhaps its not the best thing to intake when seeking energy for your daily tasks.

Take a pass on the “crash and burn” high from caffeine and sugar – and taurine. The ingredients of these drinks, both mysterious and some not too mysterious, are a recipe for disaster. They may “give you wings,” but you’ll soon come tumbling down – and in the long run, crash really hard.

Delhi has started with the second edition of its previously much-talked about Odd Even rule. The Odd-Even rule was implemented after the air in the national capital became too dangerous to breath in. All the media houses shouted few words all the time : “high PM levels; PM 10 and PM 2.5 levels cross the safe limit; air in Delhi too harmful”.

So how exactly does the PM levels harm our body? Infact, lets start with what exactly is PM?

Particulate matter (or PM) is the term used for a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets found in the air. Some particles, such as dust, dirt, soot, or smoke, are large or dark enough to be seen with the naked eye.

What is PM 10 and PM 2.5?

PM 10 is particulate matter 10 micrometers or less in diameter, PM2.5 is particulate matter 2.5 micrometers or less in diameter. PM2.5 is generally described as fine particles. By way of comparison, a human hair is about 100 micrometers, so roughly 40 fine particles could be placed on its width

Fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is an air pollutant that is a concern for people’s health when levels in air are high. PM2.5 are tiny particles in the air that reduce visibility and cause the air to appear hazy when levels are elevated. Outdoor PM2.5 levels are most likely to be elevated on days with little or no wind or air mixing. The New York State Departments of Health (DOH) and Environmental Conservation (DEC) alert the public by issuing a PM2.5 Health Advisory when PM2.5 concentrations in outdoor air are expected to be unhealthy for sensitive groups.

So where does the fine particulate matter come from?

There are outdoor and indoor sources of fine particles. Outside, fine particles primarily come from car, truck, bus and off-road vehicle (e.g., construction equipment, snowmobile, locomotive) exhausts, other operations that involve the burning of fuels such as wood, heating oil or coal and natural sources such as forest and grass fires. Fine particles also form from the reaction of gases or droplets in the atmosphere from sources such as power plants. These chemical reactions can occur miles from the original source of the emissions. PM2.5 is also produced by common indoor activities. Some indoor sources of fine particles are tobacco smoke, cooking (e.g., frying, sautéing, and broiling), burning candles or oil lamps, and operating fireplaces and fuel-burning space heaters (e.g., kerosene heaters).

increased respiratory symptoms, such as irritation of the airways, coughing or difficulty breathing.

Apart from health effects, presence of PM also affects the visibility around. It produces haze, which creates problems for people behind the wheels.

FICCI Research and Analysis Centre (FRAC), which a Environment Monitoring and Food & Beverage testing lab is associated with the Government of NCT in carrying out Ambient Air Quality Monitoring for this edition of Odd Even Rule!

Whenever we speak about stones, we can only think about stones in gall bladder or in kidney. But have you ever heard of Tonsil Stones, or tonsilloliths?

Our tonsils are filled with nooks and crannies where bacteria and other materials, including dead cells and mucous, can become trapped. When this happens, the debris can become concentrated in white formations, the tonsil stones, that occur in the pockets. Tonsil stones are most common in teens and those with large tonsils. Those with poor dental hygiene may also experience tonsil stones.

How do I know if I have Tonsil Stones?

Typically, tonsil stones can be seen as white, yellow or grey nodes on the tonsils. Though, many tonsil stones aren’t visible because they are burrowed down inside of the tonsil.

Some people have no symptoms when afflicted with tonsil stones. Those who do have symptoms often report redness or irritation of the tonsils. There are several other symptoms that can be related to tonsil stones, with bad breath being one of the most obvious. According to the Mayo Clinic, bacteria grow on the stones, which produces a foul odor.

People with throat stones can also feel like they have something stuck in their throats.

So, how bad can it be?

Tonsil infections that lead to chronic bad breath are most often due to tonsil stones. Although tonsil stones are fairly common, many dentists and physicians miss them completely when their patients complain of halitosis.

A study published in the journal Microbes and Infection concluded that tonsil stones cause halitosis because they are crawling with anaerobic bacteria.

Bromine is a chemical compound frequently used in flame retardants, baking ingredients, cell phones, plastic, dye, soda, and prescription drugs. Bromine is found naturally in the earth’s crust and in seawater in various chemical forms. Bromine can also be found as an alternative to chlorine in swimming pools. Products containing bromine are also used in agriculture and sanitation.

Research has identified the following 10 dangers of bromine as the most damaging to human health. Edibles that carry bromine are the most dangerous, as they are directly consumed.

Affects Thyroid Functionality: Lack of iodine causes thyroid related health problems. Bromine on the other hand is anti-iodine. It restricts the absorption of iodine in body, which is essential for the health of thyroid hormones. Bromine exposure impairs the gland, and results in health issues like hypothyroidism, goiter, and hormonal imbalance.
What is thyroid? How is it caused?

Preterm Births and Birth Defects: Another role that iodine plays is keeping the process of conception and pregnancy healthy. And as stated above, Bromine restricts iodine absorption. Exposure to bromine to expectant mothers may increase risk for delivering preterm babies. Avoiding the bromine exposure can also be tricky. Even if you avoid baking ingredients and soda, bromine can also be present in drinking water. An Australian study even reported a link between bromide exposure and birth defects.

Affects Cognitive Development and Failure: Mental dysfunction related to the overexposure to bromine is so common it even has a name — bromism. In one specific case of bromism, a patient consumed vast amounts of soda that contained brominated vegetable oil. The patient experienced problems including fatigue, headache, memory problems, and loss of muscle control.

High bromine intake causes slow cognitive development.

Skin puffs and burns: Bromine acnes are pus-filled eruptions and lesions were observed in individuals who took bromine for nerve conditions.
Acne caused because of bromine exposure.

It is important to test food products for bromine content. As per BIS norms water must not contain bromate. Get your product tested from FICCI Research and Analysis Centre.Call 011-45333500 / 529 or drop an email at : info@fraclabs.org

Register for a hands-on training and certification program from FICCI Research and Analysis Centre! Get industrial training from Microbiology, Instruments and Chemical laboratories!

Summers have begun and soon it would be time for your summer breaks from the college! So what have you planned for the vacations? Nice time at some hill station? Or looking out for a skill enhancement training and certification to build a career in testing laboratory?

FICCI Research and Analysis Centre welcomes all students pursuing their bachelors / post graduation for a training-cum-certification summer program!

As part of the summer training program, you will be inducted into our chemical, instrument and microbiology facilities for a period of 1 month or 45 days depending on the program you choose with respective curriculum for each facility. Both training programs focus majorly on providing you a rich hands-on industrial training experience covering popular and important content that is highly relevant to this industry and essential for the trainees to know. The training programs are fully assessed through weekly assignments and a test, on the basis of which a graded certificate of training is awarded.

career in testing for microbiology, training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Training program schedule for food and beverage testing

Important Dates:

Registration for May, June and July 2016 sessions start March 15, 2016. You may drop an email regarding any query at info@fraclabs.org and/or call/whatsapp on 7042492163.

Training Program Dates:

S. No.

Program

Starting and Ending Dates

1 a.

May 1 month

May 2 to May 31, 2016

b.

May 45 days

May 2 to June 15, 2016

2 a.

June 1 month

June 1 to June 30, 2016

b.

June 45 days

June 1 to July 15, 2016

3 a.

July 1 month

July 1 to July 29, 2016

b.

July 45 days

July 1 to August 16, 2016

Training Sessions:

Morning session from 10 am to 1 pm and Afternoon session from 2 pm to 5 pm are offered. Sessions are offered on first come first serve basis. As we have limited seats, in case you are interested in the morning session, we advise you to fulfill your formalities at the earliest.

Training Requirements (Documents):

A college recommendation letter. For a group of trainees from the same college, a common college recommendation letter is acceptable.

College ID proof

Address Proof

2 passport sized photos

Resume (CV)

Program fee: Rs. 5700 for the one month program and Rs. 7700 for the 45 day program. These prices are all inclusive and can be paid in cash by you or your relative at the reception or by cheque or DD in favor of “FICCI RESEARCH & ANALYSIS CENTRE.” A special concession can be offered if a group of at least 5 trainees are arranged from the same college. Kindly call me on 7042492163 to discuss if this is the case.

NOTE:

Your seat is only confirmed upon full payment of fees. A confirmation mail shall be sent.

In case you cannot come to submit the documents yourself, your relative can do so on your behalf, and if the above is not possible, you may send us the scanned documents via mail to anand@fraclabs.org and courier the cheque or DD to our address FICCI Research and Analysis Centre, Plot 2A, Sector 8, Dwarka, New Delhi – 110077, keeping Mr. Anand Gulati ( Manager – Training & Development) in kind attention. The hard copies of the documents can be submitted on the day you start your training.

If you are paying by cheque or DD, kindly mention your full name, the chosen program details – month and program duration (May /June/July; 1 month or 45 days program), and the sessionopted (morning or afternoon) behind the cheque or DD for easy identification and immediate processing.

It was a Sunday and you decided to stay up late for the cricket match or a Nolan movie. Because why not? It’s still a holiday! What comes next though is a regretful, sleepy and tiring Monday! The eyes are heavy. It is a task in itself keeping the lids open and give a blank stare at the monitor. The fingers give up on typing and all you need is a nice warm cozy sleep.

Well, we can’t promise you that your boss will let you have a small nap. But here is what we got : list of stuff you could do to wake yourself the hell up!!

An apple a day doesn’t just keep the doctor away. But also saves you from an angry mail from the Human Resource about your slow day at work! Having an apple in the morning, puts away the sleepiness.
An apple a day will keep anyone away, if thrown hard enough.

Water helps too, and not just splashing it across your face, but drinking some too! Dehydration is actually a big cause of tiredness. So what is the opposite of dehydrated? Yeah, hydration! So have lots of water.
Another benefit is, when the bladder fills up, you have to visit the loo too often which
in turn makes you move around and physically up!

Staying hydrated helps staying up!

Cold air is a solution too. Cold air keeps your body’s heating system cranking and you will shiver yourself awake. However, if it is an Indian summer time, don’t go for the cooling option! It will only make you cozier. Rather, let yourself sweat. (word of caution: don’t forget some deodorant!)Sweaty hands are a big put off. Here’s how you can fight it!

Get some fresh air. Now this helps a lot! Sometimes sitting in a warm office with a comfortable chair, flickering computer screen and a gentle whisper of talking workmates is enough to send anyone to sleep. Go outside and breathe in some of the fresh air for a few minutes.

If all fails, this might be the only solution. Watch this video for step-by-step instructions.

Beans: It is a high fiber solution. Beans are especially high in cholesterol-lowering soluble fiber. Eating a cup of any type of beans a day—particularly kidney, navy, pinto, black, chickpea, or butter beans—can lower cholesterol by as much as 10% in 6 weeks.

Salmon: The heart friendly fat is an excellent source of protein because it is high in omega-3 fatty acids called EPA and DHA that are good for your heart while low in cholesterol and saturated fat. American Heart Association now recommends eating at least two servings of fish every week, preferably fatty fish, by far the richest sources of fish-oil omega-3s.

Avocado: These delectable green orbs pack more of the cholesterol-smashing beta-sitosterol (a beneficial plant-based fat) than any other fruit. Beta-sitosterol reduces the amount of cholesterol absorbed from food. So the combination of beta-sitosterol and monounsaturated fat makes the avocado an excellent cholesterol buster.Avocado can fight depression too!

Tea: In our recent posts, a lot of health benefits of tea have come up. Tea can fight Arthritis. Flavonoids, the major antioxidants in tea, have been shown to prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol that leads to plaque formation on artery walls. These powerful antioxidants may even reduce cholesterol and even lower blood pressure.

Go Nuts: A moderate-fat diet that’s rich in the healthy monounsaturated fats found in nuts may actually be twice as good for your heart as a low-fat diet. Nuts also have vitamin E, magnesium, copper, and phytochemicals that have been linked to heart health. And walnuts are also rich in omega-3s. People who eat nuts regularly have less heart disease and other illnesses than people who don’t. The heart-healthy monounsaturated fats they contain are also better for your joints than the polyunsaturated fats found in corn and safflower oils. However, they are rich in calories! So moderation is the key!

We have been using Vapor Rubs since the age when we loved falling sick after having long soccer sessions in the rains! It has been a household remedy to whenever we have chest congestion, blocked nose or a heavy head. But did you know about the amazing 8 benefits of the vapour rubs?

Toenail or Fingernail Fungus: has a fungus-fighting ingredient called thymol, an oil that comes from Thyme. If you think your nail has become infected apply Vicks directly to the nail twice a day. Cover your feet with socks at bedtime, and continue to trim the nails until the infected part is removed effectively.

Insect Repellent: contains cedarleaf oil, which is a natural insect repellant. Simply rub on skin or clothes to repel insects.

Aching Muscles: contains camphor and menthol, which both have antiseptic qualities. This is great when you want to speed up healing time simply rub onto affected area.

Healing Cracked Heels: Cracked heels can be an absolute nightmare to heal, especially if you are constantly on your feet. Before you go to bed, spread a thick layer of the rub on your heels and feet. Massage for 5 minutes and wear socks to lock in miosture overnight. In the morning get up early and wash feet with warm water. Repeat until heels are restored

A day long headache can really affect your productivity! Here are some remedies to cure the headache.

Ever had a day when the only thing ruling your day is a terrible headache! It could be because of any reason – stress, tension, indigestion, restlessness, sinus problems, migraines, lack of sleep and dehydration.

Many people reach for over-the-counter medicines to get rid of their headaches. However, you can get instant pain relief using some easy and natural home remedies. Here are some remedies for curing the headache that has kept you from focussing on work:

Consume lots of water: If the cause of your headache is dehydration, you can easily get relief from the pain by rehydrating your body.

Simply drink a glass of water at the first sign of a headache and continue taking small sips throughout the day.

Along with water, you can have sports drinks. The electrolytes present in sports drinks can treat headaches caused by tension and dehydration.

When suffering from a headache, stay away from drinks like alcohol that can dehydrate your body

Put some Ice Pack: Placing a cold compress like an ice pack on your forehead will numb the pain, help shrink the blood vessels and improve circulation to the area. This particular remedy works well for headaches due to stress or sinus problems.

Wrap some ice cubes or crushed ice in a thin towel. Hold it against your forehead for a few minutes. A bag of frozen vegetables can also serve as an icepack. Never apply ice directly on your skin as it can damage the skin.

Alternatively, apply a cold cloth on your head and temples for 10 minutes and repeat the process for some time until you get relief.

Elixir of Ginger: Ginger is a home remedy for instant relief. It helps reduce inflammation of the blood vessels in the head, hence easing the pain. And since it stimulates digestion, it also helps quell the nausea which occurs during migraines.
Wondering how to use this miracle ingredient? Steep ginger root for tea, or mix equal parts of ginger juice and lemon juice and drink up. You can consume this once or twice a day. You can also apply a paste of ginger powder and 2 tablespoons water on your forehead for a few minutes to provide quicker relief.Did you know, green tea can reduce your Arthritis?

An Apple a Day Keeps Headaches Away as well: Both apples and apple cider vinegar can be used to fight off a headache. They help restore the acid-alkaline balance in the body. Furthermore, simply the smell of green apples can help reduce migraine headaches.

When you wake up in the morning with a headache, eat a piece of apple sprinkled with some salt. Then drink some warm water.

Alternatively, fill a large bowl with steaming hot water and add 3 to 4 tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to it. Hold a towel over your head and take in the steam for 10 to 15 minutes.

Cinnamon does the charm: Cinnamon is a miracle spice that can effectively treat headaches. Wondering how to use it? Here’s help: Grind some cinnamon sticks into a powder, and add some water to make a thick paste. Apply it on your forehead and temples and lie down for 30 minutes. Then wash it off with lukewarm water.

Antinutrients are natural or synthetic compounds that interfere with the absorption of nutrients.Nutrition studies focus on those antinutrients commonly found in food sources and beverages.

Some of the Anti-Nutrients Are:

Protease inhibitors are substances that inhibit the actions of trypsin, pepsin and other proteases in the gut, preventing the digestion and subsequent absorption of protein. For example, Bowman-Birk trypsin inhibitor is found in soybeans.

Lipase inhibitors interfere with enzymes, such as human pancreatic lipase, that catalyze the hydrolysis of some lipids, including fats. For example, the anti-obesity drug orlistat causes a percentage of fat to pass through the digestive tract undigested.

Amylase inhibitors prevent the action of enzymes that break the glycosidic bonds of starches and other complex carbohydrates, preventing the release of simple sugars and absorption by the body. Amylase inhibitors, like lipase inhibitors, have been used as a diet aide and obesity treatment. Amylase inhibitors are present in many types of beans; commercially available amylase inhibitors are extracted from white kidney beans.

Phytic acid has a strong binding affinity to minerals such as calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, and zinc. This results in precipitation, making the minerals unavailable for absorption in the intestines. Phytic acids are common in the hulls of nuts, seeds and grains.

Oxalic acid and oxalates are present in many plants, particularly in members of the spinach family. Oxalates bind to calcium and prevent its absorption in the human body.

Glucosinolates prevent the uptake of iodine, affecting the function of the thyroid and thus are considered goitrogens. They are found in broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower.